Author: Andrew Staroska

In a typical “Nanny State” move, the FDA is looking to regulate cigars to the point of destroying the industry. Luckily, there are few people with common sense in our government. The Traditional Cigar Manufacturing and Small Business Jobs Preservation Act of 2011 (S. 1461) was introduced by Senator Bill Nelson of Florida. The bill seeks to stop new FDA regulations that would increase the costs of production and sales of cigars in the United States. New Cigar Regulations could include: A ban on all walk in humidors, self-serve cigar displays, and mail orders for cigars; new taxes on production as well as finished products; banning of events where free cigars would be available to legal adults; banning of decorative cigar boxes; limiting the levels of nicotine in cigars, thus, changing the flavor. Senate Bill 1461 would stop the potential regulations put in place by FDA and keep the current laws in place that regulate cigar sales across the United States. Many cigar makers and supporters believe that preventing this move by the FDA is the only way to save the industry. Cigar Rights of America believes that if these regulations are allowed to go into place, the industry would be crippled and assimilated into to a system like Canada’s where most sales of cigars are limited. CRA believes this is an attack on the free market. I find this to...

Ronald Reagan is the epitome of what a conservative Republican should be. The man spurred tremendous economic and nationalistic growth by cutting taxes and helped to end the oppression that was the Soviet Union. He was solid in his beliefs and convictions, gifted as an orator, and he was, and still is, loved by many on both sides of the aisle. Recently, there have been many attempts, not just from the Left, but also by some on the Right, to label Ronald Reagan as a “moderate” or a “RINO.” I find this accusation to be a bit absurd; Reagan used his common sense during his tenure as President to save our nation. Throughout his term, Reagan’s actions exemplified conservative values, and the nation prospered under his leadership. Knowing this, what is the basis for the RINO argument? 1. Reagan, as governor, once installed a tax increase. Yes, Reagan cut taxes and spurred growth but he also had a tax increase. Reagan agreed to said tax increase on the promise of 3 to 1 spending cuts with a Democrat controlled Congress. Recently, we saw candidates in the current GOP field say they wouldn’t take a 10-1 cuts to tax increase. If we could cut spending by 10% and only increase taxes by 1%, I think the conservative Ronald Reagan would probably agree that is was the best thing to do. 2. Reagan signed an act...